bartlett



Feb 3956 E. E. BARTLETT 2,733,813

SHALE SEPARATOR Filed Feb. 26, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.

E mes! E. Barf/e If INVENTOR.

BY and yang 5M Feb. 7, 1956 E. E. BARTLETT 2,733,813

SHALE SEPARATOR" Filed Feb. 26, 1954' 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Ernest E Barr/e h IN VEN TOR.

WWW 3% E. E. BARTLETT SHALE SEPARATOR Feb. 7, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 26, 1954 Fig. 7

E rnesf E. Barf/eff INVENTOR.

BY My); 3m

United States Patent i ii;

SHALE SEPARATOR Ernest E. Bartlett, George West, Tex., assignor to Joe H. Bartlett, Live Oak, Tex.

Application February 26, 1954, Serial No. 412,885

8 Claims. (Cl. 209-470) This invention relates in general to improvements in oil well drilling equipment, and more specifically to an improved shale separator for removing shale from drilling mud.

The primary object of'this invention is to provide an improved shale separator which includes a screen Wheel for removing the shale from drilling mud, the screen wheel being so constructed and arranged whereby the incoming shale bearing drilling mud results in rotation of the screen wheel to separate the shale therefrom.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved shale separator Which includes a skid and a screen wheel housing mounted on the skid, the skid forming an integral part of the housing and having drilling mud passages therethrough.

Another object of this invention is to provide an im proved shale separator for separating shale from drilling mud, the shale separator including an inlet pipe, an outlet discharge passage, and a by-pass pipe, the by-pass pipe being provided with a cover which is selectively positionable transversely of the inlet pipe to permit how of drilling fluid through the inlet pipe into the by-pass pipe and out of the discharge passage.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved shale separator which includes a screen wheel, the screen wheel being provided with a spray pipe for cleaning the screen thereof, the spray pipe being mounted for adjustable positioning relative to the screen whereby the complete screen may be effectively cleaned through periodic shifting of the spray pipe.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved shale separator which includes a sample basket so pivotally mounted with respect to a housing of the shale separator whereby the basket may be selectively positioned within the interior of a screen wheel for receiving samples of shale removed from drilling mud in order that the type of rock foundation being drilled through may be readily ascertained.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,'reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the shale separator which is the subject of this invention and shows the general details thereof;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 2-2 of Figure 1 and shows the formation of integral drilling mud passages through the skid, the boundaries of the drilling mud passages forming stiffeners for the skid;

Figure 3 isa front elevational view of the shale separator of Figure 1 and shows the general details thereof;

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the shale separator 2,733,813 Patented Feb. 7, 1955 of Figure 1 and shows the relationship of a shale discharge chute with respect to the housing;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the upper portion of the shale separator and shows the general details of both the inlet pipes and the relationship of the housing, the screen Wheel and the shale chute;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the line 6-6 of Figure 5 and shows the details of both the fluid pipe and the internal construction of the housing and the screen wheel;

Figure 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 77 of Figure 1 ad shows he general construction of the screen Wheel and its relationship to the housing and skid;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the forward portion of the shale separator and shows the piping thereof arranged for the by-passing of the screen wheel by drilling mud;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 9-9 of Figure 7 and shows the details of a bridge carried by cross-arms of the screen Wheel to prevent the dropping of shale down between baffie plates mounted within the housing; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line ltl1ii of Figure 3 and shows the manner in which the spray pipe for the screen wheel is retained in an adjusted longitudinal position.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated the shale separator which is the subject of this invention. The shale separator includes a skid which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 19. The skid It is formed by a pair of longitudinally extending frame rails 12 and 14 which are in spaced parallel relation and which are perfectly channel-shaped in cross-section. Connecting together the forward ends of the frame rails 12 and 14 is a transversely extending, tubular frame member 16. A similar tubular frame member 18 extends between and connects together the rear ends of the frame rails 12 and 14.

Overlying the forward portion of the skid 10 is a platform 20. The platform 20 is reinforced intermediate its ends by an angle member 22 and at its forward end by an angle member 24.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it will be seen that extending between the frame rails 12' and 14 are a plurality of plates which are vertically disposed and which form a lower by-pass pipe portion 26 in a drilling fluid well 28. The drilling fluid well 28 opens through an immediate portion of the frame rail 14 and terminates in a pair of fluid discharge passages 30. The fluid discharge passages 36) are separated by a brace 32 which extends vertically to reinforce the upper and lower flanges of the channel-shaped frame rail 14 at the center of the opening formed therein.

Extending upwardly as a continuation of the drilling fluid well 28 is a housing which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 34. The housing 34 includes a generally U-shaped front wall 36 and a similarly shaped rear wall 38. The walls 36 and 38 extend transversely of the skid 10 and are connected together by generally C-shaped side walls 40 and 42 which extend upwardly from the frame rails 12 and 14, respectively. The upper edges of the side walls 40 and 42 are connected together by an arcuate top wall 44.

, The U-shaped front end wall 36 includes a generally semicircular base portion 46 and a pair of spaced parallel upstanding legs 48 and 50. Extending horizontally across the forward face of the end wall 36 at the intersection of the legs 48 and 5G with the base portion 46 is an angle member 52. The angle member 52 has suitably secured thereto a pillow block 54.

The rear end wall 48 also includes a generally semicircular base portion 56 and a pair of spaced parallel upstanding end walls 58 and 60. The end wall 38 is reinforced at the intersection of the legs 58 and 60 with the base portion 56 by a horizontally disposed angle member 62. Carried by the central portion of the angle member 62 is a pillow block 64 which is longitudinally aligned with the pillow block 54. Extending through the housing 34 transversely thereof and in longitudinal alignment with the skid 10 is a shaft 66. The shaft 66 has the end portions thereof suitably journaled in the pillow blocks 54 and 64.

Carried by the shaft 66 for rotation therewith is a screen wheel which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 68. The screen wheel 68 includes a spider 70 rigidly carried by the shaft 66 at the center thereof. The shaft 70 includes a central hub 72 encircling the shaft 66 and a plurality of legs 74 which radiate outwardly from the hub 72.

Secured to each of the legs 74 at the outer end thereof is a cross-arm 76. Each cross-arm '76 is secured at its center to its respective leg 74 and extends in spaced parallel relation to the shaft 66. As is best illustrated in Figure 7, the cross-arms 76 are disposed at an angle to thelongitudinal axes of their respective legs '74.

Encircling the cross-arms 76 and secured to the outer edge portions thereof is a plurality of reinforcing bands 78. Overlying the reinforcing bands 78 and suitably secured thereto is a cylindrical screen 8%.

Connecting together the lower'portions of the legs 48 and 50 is a horizontally disposed angle member 82. The angle member 82 supports a rear portion of a generally horizontally disposed drilling fluid inlet pipe 84. The drilling fluid inlet pipe 84 has the forward end por tion thereof supported by a suitable support 86 which is carried by the platform 20. The inlet pipe 84 is generally channel-shaped in cross-section and includes a bottom wall 88 and vertically extending side walls 90. The bottom wall 88 rests upon both the support 86 and the angle member 82.

In order that drilling mud bearing shale may be supplied to the inlet pipe 84, there is provided a drilling mud supply pipe 92. The drilling mud supply pipe 92 is received in a forward end wall 94 of the inlet pipe 84 in the manner best illustrated in Figure 6. Inasmuch as the inlet pipe' 84 is of a much gre'ater'width and capacity than the supply pipe 92 and so that the drilling mud will be at an equal depth throughout the space between the side walls 90 of the inlet pipe 84, there is provided a deflector plate 96. The deflector plate 96 has the upper forward end thereof pivotallyconnected as at 98 to the side walls 90. Disposed adjacent the rear end of the deflector plate 96 adjacent each side edge thereof is an upstanding bracket 100 in which is adjustably received a locking bolt 102. Through the use of the locking bolts 102, the deflector plate 96 may be retained in adjusted positions to properly spread the drilling fluid throughout the width of the inlet pipe 84. As is best illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the inlet pipe 84 has a curved rear portion 104. The curved rear portion 104 is disposed at substantially a right angle to the main portion of the inlet pipe 84 so that incoming drilling mud may be directed against the interior of the screen 80. The flow of drilling mud through the curved portion 104 is controlled by curved baffles 106.

In order that the shale carried by the drilling mud may be properly separated from the drilling mud, there is disposed within the housing 34 a pair of downwardly and outwardly sloping bafile plates 108 and 110, the baffle plate 108 being disposed forwardly of the spider 70v and the baflle plate 110 being disposed rearwardly of the spider 70. The bafiie plates 108 and 110 are separated only such distaince as necessary to permit the passage of the spider 70. Carried by the baffle plate 108 at the side thereof remote from the inlet pipe 84 is a first downwardly and rearwardly sloping chute 112. The chute 112 is secured against the surface of the baille plate 108 and has the upper end thereof suitably connected to the angle member 82, as is best illustrated in Figure 6.

Carried by the baffle plate 110 is a second shale chute 114. The shale chute 114 slopes downwardly and rearwardiy in generally spaced parallel relation to the first chute 112 andis disposed at the side of the baflle plate 110 remote from the inlet pipe 84. It will be noted that the rear lower end of the second chute 114 extends through an opening 116 in the rear end wall 38 and opens into an open space in the skid 10. It is to be understood that the skid 10 may overlie a shale receiving pit so that the disposal of the shale will be no problem.

Referring now to Figure 7 in particular, it will be seen that the cross-arms 76 are so disposed with respect to the axes of the legs 74 that when the shale bearing drilling mud first enters into the screen wheel 68, it is received on the cross-arms 76 as Well as being directed against the periphery of the screen 80. This causes the counter-clockwise rotation of the screen wheel 68, as viewed in Figure 7. It will be'understood that the screen is of a size to permit the passage of the drilling mud and at the same time to retain the shale carried by the drilling mud within the interior of the screen wheel 68. As the shale reaches the bottom of the screen wheel 68, it is released from its originally engaged crossarm 76 and is engaged by the next cross-arm '76. The cross-arms 76 then elevate the shale until it drops into the chute 112, the shale being guided in its descent partially by the baflle plate 108. The chute 112 then directs the shale through the spider 70 into the rear half of the screen wheel 68. The process is then repeated, with the shale being elevated by the cross-arms '76 and then deposited into the second chute 114 from which it is delivered into the above mentioned pit.

While the cross-arms 76 do elevate the shale, it is to be understood that the motivating force on the screen wheel 68 is both the falling drilling mud, which is relatively heavy, and the shale carried thereby.

In order to prevent clogging of the space between the baffle plates 108 and 110, carried by each of the crossarms 76 in the manner best illustrated in Figures 9 and 7 is a plurality of bridges 118. The bridges 118 underlie their respective cross-arms 76 when the cross-arms 76 reach their uppermost shale carrying position and receive any shale dumped from the central portion of the cross arms associated therewith so that such shale will not drop between the baflie plates 108 and and prevent the rotation of the spider 70 therebetween.

it is to be understood that all the drilling mud which passes through the screen 80 passes into the drilling mud well 28. From the drilling mud well 28, the drilling mud passes out through the discharge passages 30 and into a suitable ditch (not shown) for conveying back to the oil well rig. V

In order that both the screen 80 and the shale may be properly washed, there is provided a spray pipe assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 7 120. The spray pipe assembly 120 includes an upper spray pipe 122 which extends through the upper portion of the housing 34 at one side of the screen wheel 68 in the position best illustrated in Figure 7. The spray pipe 122 is suitably mounted in a sleeve 124 carried by the leg 48 of the frone end wall 36 and in a sleeve 126 carried by the leg 60 of the rear end wall 38. Connected to the rear end of the spray pipe 120 is a pipe section 128 which extends downwardly and inwardly towards the center of the housing 34. Carried at the'lower end ofth'e pipe section 128 is a horizontally disposed, forwardly directed spray pipe 130. The spray pipe 130 extends into the interior of the housing 34 substantially to the spider 70. The spray pipe 130 is carried by a fitting 132 mounted on a plate 134 which covers half of the opening between the legs 58 and 60 of the rear end Wall 38. The plate 134 is secured to the angle members 62, an upper angle member 136 extending between the upper ends of the legs 58 and 60, and an upwardly sloping angle member 138 which is in alignment with the baffle plate 110 and which reinforces the baffle plate 110.

The forward end of the spray pipe 122 has connected thereto a vertically disposed pipe section 140 which, in turn, has connected thereto a horizontally and inwardly directed spray pipe 142, the spray pipe 142 being disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to the front end wall 36. The pipe section 142 terminates in a T-fitting 144 which has connected thereto a downwardly directed pipe section 146. Connected to the pipe section 146 is a horizontally disposed pipe section 148 which terminates in a rearwardly directed spray pipe 150. The spray pipe 150 projects into the interior of the housing 34 through the base portion 46 of the front end wall 36 and terminates adjacent the spider 70.

In order that water may be supplied to the spray pipe assembly 128, the spray pipe assembly 120 also includes a horizontally disposed pipe section 152 which is connected to the T-fitting 144. Connected to the horizontally disposed pipe section 152 is a second horizontally and longitudinally disposed pipe section 154. The pipe section 154 is provided at its forward end with a suitable fitting 156 to which may be attached a suitable hose or other water supply line. In order that the flow of water into the spray pipe assembly 120 may be controlled, the pipe section 154 is provided with a shutoff valve 158.

In order that the screen 80 and the shale may be properly washed, each of the spray pipes 122, 130 and 150 is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles 160 such as are best illustrated in Figure with respect to the spray pipe 122. The spray nozzles 160 are directed in such a manner whereby both the screen 80 is washed by sprays emitting from the spray pipe 122 and the shale by sprays emitting from the spray pipes 130 and 150.

Inasmuch as the meshes of the screen 80 are of necessity relatively small and since the spray nozzles 160 can-- not possibly be spaced as close as desired, it will be seen that certain of the meshes of the screen 80 will not be properly cleaned by a constant spray from the spray nozzles 160. In order that the screen 80 may be properly cleaned, all of the members of the spray pipe assembly 120 are adjustably slidably positioned in their respective sleeves and fittings. In this manner, the entire spray pipe assembly 120, including the spray pipe 122, may be selectively shifted longitudinally so that the sprays emitting from the spray nozzles 160 will completely clean the screen 80. The spray pipe assembly 120 is retained in an adjusted position by a lock fastener 162 carried by the sleeve 124 and locking the spray pipe 122 therein.

Referring now to Figure 4 in particular, it will be seen that carried by the angle member 138 intermediate its upper and lower ends is a bracket 164. The bracket 164 has pivotally journaled therein one end of a support arm 166 for a sample basket 168. Due to the particular mounting of the sample basket 168, it may be selectively swung into the interior of the housing 34 within the confines of the screen wheel 68 for receiving shale dropping from the cross-arms 76. By so collecting the shale, one can accurately determine the type of rock formation through which'an associated drilling rig is drilling.

It is to be understood that under certain conditions it is not desired to pass the shale bearing drilling mud through the screen wheel 68 to remove the shale therefrom. In order that the shale bearing drilling mud may by-pass the screen wheel 68 with a minimum of trouble, there is provided a vertical by-pass pipe 170. The vertical by-pass pipe 170 is communicated at its lower end through the platform 20 to the by-pass pipe portion 26 within the confines of the skid 10. The upper end of the bypass pipe 170 is communicated with the interior of the inlet pipe 84 immediately rearwardly of the deflector plate 96.

Normally, the entrance to the by-pass pipe 170 is closed by a gate 172. The gate 172 is provided with a handle 174 so that it may be conveniently picked up and removed from overlying relation to the entrance to the by-pass pipe 17 0.

When it is desired to by-pass the drilling mud, it is necessary that the rear portion of the inlet pipe 84 be closed. In order that this may be done, there is provided on the inner surfaces of each of the side walls a pair of spaced guide members 176. The guide members 176 are so spaced whereby the gate may be positioned therebetween in a vertical position so as to close off the inlet pipe 84 immediately rearwardly of the entrance to the by-pass pipe 170 and so that the drilling mud may then by-pass the screen wheel 68.

Not only does the by-pass pipe 170 serve to by-pass the drilling mud, but it also functions as a support for the intermediate portion of the inlet pipe 84. Further, it functions to support the forward portion of the pipe section 154 through the provision of a fitting 178 carried thereby and partially surrounding the pipe section 154.

From the foregoing description of the shale separator which is the subject of this invention, it will be seen that not only is the shale separator of such a nature whereby it may be conveniently formed with a minimum of materials inasmuch as the skid forms a structural part of the housing, but also, it is so constructed whereby it does not require motor power to turn the screen wheel. Further, eflicient operation is obtained through both the use of the by-pass pipe and through the efficient cleaning of both the screen and the shale being separated from the drilling mud.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A shale separator comprising a skid, an upright housing rigidly secured to said skid with said skid forming the bottom of said housing, a drilling mud discharge passage formed in said skid and projecting exteriorly thereof, a shale removing screen wheel mounted in said housing, a drilling mud inlet pipe supported by said skid for directing drilling mud on said screen wheel, a bypass pipe communicated with said inlet pipe intermediate its ends, said by-pass pipe having a portion thereof integral with said skid and communicating with said discharge passage within said skid.

2. A shale separator comprising a skid, an upright housing rigidly secured to said skid with said skid forming the bottom of said housing, a drilling mud discharge passage formed in said skid and projecting exteriorly thereof, a shale removing screen wheel mounted in said housing, a drilling mud inlet pipe supported by said skid for directing drilling mud on said screen wheel, a by-pass pipe communicated with said inlet pipe intermediate its ends, said by-pass pipe having a portion thereof integral with said skid and communicating with said discharge passage within said skid, a gate normally closing the entrance to said by-pass pipe, said gate being removable and positionable to close said inlet pipe beyond the entrance to said by-pass pipe.

3. A shale separator comprising a skid, an upright housing rigidly secured to said skid with said skid forming the bottom of said housing, a drilling mud discharge passage formed in said skid and projecting exteriorly thereof, a shale removing screen wheel mounted in said housing, a drilling mud inlet pipe supported by said skid for directing drilling mud on said screen Wheel, a bypass pipe communicated with said inlet pipe intermediate its ends, said by-pass pipe having a portion thereof integral with said skid and communicating with said discharge passage within said skid, said by-pass pipe forming a support for said inlet pipe.

.4. A shale separator comprising a housing having a drilling mud outlet passage in the bottom thereof, a shaft extending transversely of said housing and being rotatably mounted relative thereto, a screen wheel carried by said shaft, said screen wheel including a centrally located spider rigidly secured to said shaft, said spider including radially extending legs, transversely extending cross-arms secured to outer ends of said legs, a cylindrical screen mounted on and encircling said spider and crossarms, a drilling fluid inlet pipe for supplying shale bearing drilling mud to said screen Wheel, said drilling mud being delivered to the interior of said screen wheel and deposited on said cross-arms to cause rotation of said screen wheel, chute means for removing shale from within said housing, said cross-arms being disposed at an angle to the axes of said legs and forming carriers for said shale, bafile plates sloping upwardly through said housing on opposite sides of said spider, said chute means being carried by said baflie plates, said angle being such to effect dumping of shale into said chute means.

5. .A shale separator comprising a housing having a drilling mud outlet passage in the bottom thereof, a shaft extending transversely of said housing and being rotatably mounted relative thereto, a screen wheel carried by said shaft, said screen wheel including a centrally located spider rigidly secured to said shaft, said spider including radially extending legs, transversely extending cross-arms secured to outer ends of said legs, a cylindrical screen mounted on and encircling said spider and cross-arms, a drilling fluid inlet pipe for supplying shale bearing drilling mud to said screen wheel, saiddrilling mud being delivered ot the interior of said screen wheel and deposited on said cross-arms to cause rotation of said screen wheel, chute means for removing shale from within said housing, said cross-arms being disposed at an angle to the axesof said legs and forming carriers for said shale, baffle plates sloping upwardly through said housing on opposite sides of said spider, said chute means being carried by said baffie plates, said angle being such to effect dumping of shale into said chute means, bridges carried by said crossarms overlying said legs to prevent the dumping of shale between said baffie plates.

6. A shale separator comprising a housing having a drilling mud outlet passage in the bottom thereof, a shaft extending transversely of said housing and being rotatably mounted relative thereto, a screen wheel carried by said shaft, said screen wheel including a centrally located a spider rigidly secured to said shaft, said spider including radially extending legs,'transversely extending cross-arms secured to outer ends of said legs, a cylindrical screen mounted on and encircling said spider and cross-arms, a

drilling fluid inlet pipe for supplying shale bearing drilling mud to said screen wheel, said drilling mud* being delivered to the interior of said screen wheel and deposited on said cross-arms to cause rotation of said screen wheel, chute means for removing shale from within said housing, said cross-arms being disposed at an angle to the axes of said legs and forming carriers for said shale, bafile plates sloping upwardly through said housing on opposite sides of said spider, said chute means being carried by said baffle plates, said angle being such to efiect dumping of shale into said chute means, said chute means including a first chute disposed on one side of said spider, said first chute initially receiving shale and distributing the shale to the other side of said spider, and a second chute disposed on said other side of said spider and directing the shale out of said housing.

7. A shale separator comprising a housing having a drilling mud outlet passage in the bottom thereof, a shaft extending transversely of said housing and being rotatably mounted relative thereto, a screen wheel carried by said shaft, said screen wheel including a centrally located spider rigidly secured to said shaft, said spider including radially extending legs, a cylindrical screen mounted on and encircling said spider and cross-arms, a drilling fluid inlet pipe for supplying shale bearing drilling mud to said screen wheel, said drilling mud being delivered to the interior of said screen wheel and deposited on said cross-arms to cause rotation of said screen wheel, chute means for removing shale from within said housing, a bypass pipe communicated with said inlet pipe intermediate its ends, said by-pass pipe having a portion thereof integral with a supporting skid and communicating with a discharge passage within said skid.

8. A shale separator comprising a housing having a drilling mud outlet passage in the bottom thereof, a shaft extending transversely of said housing and being rotatably mounted relative thereto, a screen wheel carried by said shaft, said screen wheel including a'centrally located spider rigidly secured to said shaft, said spider including radially extending legs, a cylindrical screen mounted on and encircling said spider and cross-arms, a drilling fluid inlet pipe for supplying shale bearing drilling mud to said screen wheel, said drilling mud being delivered to the interior of said screen wheel and deposited on said cross-arms to cause rotation of said screen wheel, chute means for removing shale from within said housing, a by-pass pipe communicated with said inlet pipe intermediate its ends, said by-pass pipe having a portion thereof integral with a supporting skid and communicating with a discharge passage within said skid, said by-pass pipe forming a support for said inlet pipe.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 852,050 Barbeau Apr. 30, 1907 2,174,836 Range Oct. 3, 1939 2,193,163 Chenweth Mar. 12, 1940 2,257,672 Christensen Sept. 30, 1941 

